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Due to technical difficulties on my end (blame Comcast), the launch of the PW Daily News radio show has been pushed back to Tuesday, December 12th. Until then, let’s get you caught up with everything that went down this past weekend, as well as what to look forward to on ProWrestling.com in the coming week!
WWE News
– The biggest story of the weekend was the arrest of WWE Superstar and 205 Live member Rich Swann, who was charged with domestic battery and false imprisonment (more). The victim in guest was his wife, who wrestles on the independent scene as Su Yung. WWE suspended Swann indefinitely as soon as the police confirmed the incident was related to domestic violence (standard policy). He was being held but has been released, and is awaiting a court date. Here’s the latest.
– WWE ended another successful international tour which featured two live events in Abu Dhabi and two in India. Lots of news below coming out of that tour as Triple H was in action throughout the tour including matches with Roman Reigns (more) and Jinder Mahal (more).
– The women of WWE also made history while overseas, as Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss wrestled the company’s first ever women’s match in the UAE. It was incorrectly reported by virtually everyone including WWE itself that it was the first women’s match to EVER happen in the UAE, which is untrue as the TNA Knockouts got there first back in 2010 (more).
– WWE also signed the first developmental talent from Kuwait while overseas (more).
WWE Abu Dhabi results (12/7)WWE Abu Dhabi results (12/8)Emotional Sasha Banks reacts to making historyWWE Delhi results (12/9)WWE Delhi results (12/10)Triple H dances with Jinder Mahal in India
– A few details on Asuka’s modified Raw moveset have led to some speculation that WWE is setting up some kind of main roster program for UFC icon Ronda Rousey (more).
– WWE is reportedly targeting a 100,000 seat arena in Australia for a massive pay-per-view caliber event at some point in late 2018 (more).
– Matt Hardy is fully WOKEN and fighting kangaroos again (more).
– Here’s the latest on Neville and the ongoing talks with WWE (more).
Misc. Wrestling News
– Dave Bautista landed a leading role in an upcoming action comedy called “Stuber”, where he plays some kind of detective who commandeers an Uber driver and things get very out of hand (more).
– Jerry Lawler said some things about sexual assault (more), which is just the last headline you want to read in 2017. He seemed totally unaware of the things going on in Hollywood, laughing off comparisons to similar things ever happening in WWE, and just didn’t seem to take the topic seriously at all. Is anybody surprised?
– Former porn star Mia Khalifa tried to bury Ronda Rousey over her decision to pursue WWE after MMA (more).
– RPW ran an absolutely stacked, international indie supercard on 12/8 featuring Cody Rhodes defending the ROH title, Pete Dunne defending the WWE UK title, and Zack Sabre Jr. vs Matt Riddle in an instant classic for the RPW British Heavyweight title. The Young Bucks and Marty Scurll also headlined, while Tyler Bate and Trent Seven defended their RPW tag titles. Just a crazy amount of global talent. (Full Results)
– CZW ran their annual Cage of Death 19 on 12/9 with some brutal matches. Jimmy Jacobs and Jimmy Havoc used stables and nails and spikes and all kinds of stuff. There was also a major incident involving Tim Storm and the NWA title. (Full Results)
– EVOLVE 96 returned to NYC on 12/9 featuring Keith Lee vs. Walter for the WWN title, Zack Sabre Jr. against DJZ for the Evolve title, Matt Riddle vs. Fred Yehi and Catchpoint defending the Evolve tag titles. (Full Results)
– Here’s the latest on Cody Rhodes and the Young Bucks running a 10,000 seat show in 2018 (more).
Website News
Exclusive Interview: Matt Riddle on why he’s not interested in WWEDebut Editorial: “Less is More”, an Argument Against Brand Exclusive PPV in WWEThe Week Ahead…
– It’s WWE Holiday Week which means four straight nights of WWE programming on the USA Network. That starts with Raw on Monday, Smackdown Live on Tuesday, the television debut of NXT on Wednesday, and the annual Tribute to the Troops special on Thursday.
– We will have, for the very first time, a live post-show following next Sunday’s WWE Clash of Champions. I’m talking to some pretty big names about joining us live after the show, as well as many from our staff offering their thoughts on Sunday’s pay-per-view.
– We will also have several new editorial writers, weekly Raw and Smackdown reviews, several established podcasts joining the team, and a few brand new podcasts that will be exclusive to ProWrestling.com. Keep your eyes out for exciting new content coming over the next few weeks!